One of Newfoundland’s leading mining industry figures believes the province’s minerals sector is on the cusp of unprecedented growth.
In an interview this week, Mining Industry NL Executive Director Amanda McCallum said three projects in the Baie Verte Peninsula in particular will require a vast number of new employees.
Namely, the Green Bay copper-gold mine being developed by Firefly Metals Ltd (TSE: FFM) (OTCMKTS: MNXMF) (ASX: FFM); the Hammerdown operation held by Maritime Resources Corp (CVE: MAE) (OTCMKTS: MRTMF); and processing projects run by Shoreline Aggregates. Shoreline specializes in refining materials like limestone, gravel and sand.
“Those three companies alone, that cluster within this region, will likely need over 1,000 workers in the next two to three years,” McCallum said.
She is unsure where the large group of future workers will stay. The area’s broader economy could potentially see significant growth as a result.
“When you’re talking about having to increase a workforce, there’s housing requirements, there’s social supports, there’s services,” McCallum told reporters.
She has been serving in her current position for just over one year. She previously worked as an outreach geologist for Newfoundland’s government and was president of the local geoscience-focused consultancy company Ignite Education.
Mining Industry NL, also called the Mining Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, was created to promote the interests of companies and workers in the provincial sector. The organization expects that there will be C$258 million invested in exploration within the province this year.
“Newfoundland and Labrador is a world-class mining jurisdiction and an excellent place to invest in exploration, development and mining of elements of strategic importance, precious metals and industrial minerals,” she said last year after being appointed into her current role.
Amazing employment opportunities in NL mining industry says Executive Director Amanda McCallum, especially in Baie Verte-Green Bay region. @MiningNL @mining @miningtweets @baieverte @SpringdaleCofC
— Terry Hart (@vocmhart) June 14, 2025
Read more: Equinox Gold amends production and guidance to include Calibre’s offerings
Baie Verte not the only economic driver
As pointed out by McCallum, the provincial minerals sector accounts for approximately 9.3 per cent of Newfoundland’s gross domestic product — in excess of C$3.25 billion per annum.
This number will be increasing significantly as the largest gold asset throughout all of the Atlantic provinces enters production. The Valentine Gold Mine, being developed by Calibre Mining Corp (TSE: CXB) (OTCMKTS: CXBMF) (FRA: WCLA) in Central Newfoundland, will begin producing 195,000 ounces per annum next quarter.
It is expected to contribute over C$2.9 billion to the province’s GDP during its 14-year lifespan.
“This is a significant project that will provide numerous economic benefits to central Newfoundland and the entire province,” former energy minister Andrew Parsons said in 2022.
Gold just ascended to C$4,685 per ounce — an unprecedented high. The price of the yellow metal will be highly beneficial for Calibre and Equinox Gold Corp (TSE: EQX) (NYSEAMERICAN: EQX) (FRA: 1LRC) going forward. The companies are expected to complete their pivotal merger by the end of the month.
Read more: Calibre Mining supports future mining industry workers at Newfoundland science fair
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